Which of the following best describes a cognitive shortcut used for making judgments and decisions quickly?

A heuristic is a mental shortcut that allows individuals to make judgments and decisions quickly and efficiently. It simplifies complex problems by reducing the mental effort required and relies on practical methods rather than a comprehensive analysis of all available data. Heuristics are often based on previous experiences or common rules of thumb, making them useful in everyday decision-making scenarios where speed is essential.

In contrast, an algorithm is a systematic, step-by-step procedure for solving problems, which typically guarantees a correct solution if applied correctly but can be time-consuming. Randomization refers to the process of making choices or selections in a way that is based on chance, lacking the structured approach that heuristics provide. Linear regression is a statistical method used to model the relationship between variables but does not pertain to quick judgment-making or decision processes.

Thus, the best term to describe a cognitive shortcut that enables rapid judgments is indeed a heuristic.